Root of Tali Madder … Classic Formulas

Qian Cao · Radix Rubiae

Primary Actions

  • Cools Blood and stops bleeding ... Qian Cao is used when heat in the Blood leads to hemoptysis, nosebleed tendencies, or uterine bleeding patterns.
  • Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis ... unlike purely astringent hemostatics, the raw root also treats amenorrhea, trauma, and fixed pain where bleeding and stasis overlap.
  • Bridges bleeding and movement logic ... this dual action explains why raw and charred forms are used differently in practice.

Classic Formulas

  • Shi Hui San style hemostatic traditions ... Qian Cao Tan appears when upper-body bleeding from Blood heat needs cooling and restraint.
  • Amenorrhea and stasis formulas with Tao Ren or Hong Hua ... the raw root is chosen when absent menses and congealed Blood coexist.
  • Trauma combinations with San Qi or Ru Xiang ... used when bruising and residual stasis require both movement and cooling.

Classical Text References

  • Traditional herbology emphasizes that Qian Cao can both cool Blood and move Blood, a combination not shared by many other hemostatic roots.
  • Processing changes its emphasis, which is why raw and charred forms should not be flattened into one clinical meaning.